Handle-Actuated Aquatic Device

ABSTRACT

A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising a paddlewheel and a body board, wherein the body board is buoyant in water and configured to engage a portion of a user&#39;s body, and a first handle and a second handle are operatively connected to the paddlewheel, wherein each handle is configured to rotate the paddle wheel, and wherein the paddlewheel is attached to a body board frame, the body board frame also being configured to receive at least a portion of the body board.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application relates to an aquatic device and, moreparticularly, to a handle-actuated aquatic device for aiding a user inswimming.

2. Technical Background

Swimming is a very popular recreational activity for people of all ages,and provides a good full-body exercise. The low-impact nature ofswimming has a lower risk of injury than other higher impact exercises,and is an ideal exercise for those who have experienced an injury, orhave otherwise limited mobility. As such, swimming may also be anintegral part of a rehabilitation program.

However, inexperienced swimmers, such as children, may requireassistance developing the appropriate level of confidence and developingappropriate swimming technique. Similarly, elderly or infirm people, andthose who have mobility issues may have difficulty adequately performingswimming strokes. For example, people having limited shoulder mobilitymay not be able to adequately perform traditional swimming strokes,therefore needing assistance to float and swim in water.

Accordingly, the aquatic devices disclosed herein have been developed inview of these issues, and therefore, an object is to provide an aquaticdevice to assist people to float and swim in water.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a handle-actuated aquatic device includes apaddlewheel that is operatively connected to a first handle and a secondhandle. The paddlewheel is encapsulated inside of a housing that iscoupled to a buoyant body board by a body board frame.

In another embodiment, a handle-actuated aquatic device includes anaxle, and a hub placed circumferentially around and operatively coupledto the axle. A plurality of blades is attached to and extends radiallyoutward from the hub, and a first handle and a second handle areoperatively connected to the axle. The handle-actuated aquatic devicefurther includes a buoyant body board, the buoyant body board having atop surface configured to engage a portion of a user's body, and abottom surface opposite the top surface. A body board frame couples theaxle, hub, and plurality of blades to the bottom surface of the bodyboard.

Additional features and advantages of the methods described herein willbe set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description orrecognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including thedetailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appendeddrawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an aquatic device according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C depicts a front view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D depicts a top view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A depicts a cutaway view of the aquatic device shown and describedin FIGS. 1A-1D;

FIG. 2B depicts a magnified view of the body board and body board frameaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an aquatic device according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the aquatic device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C depicts a front view of the aquatic device of FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a user positioned on an aquaticdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of aquatic devices,which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible,the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the present disclosuregenerally relate to handle-actuated aquatic devices. The aquatic devicesinclude a paddlewheel, and a first handle and a second handleoperatively coupled to the paddlewheel. The devices further include abuoyant body board that is attached to the paddlewheel by a body boardframe.

Depicted in FIGS. 1-4 are multiple views of a handle-actuated aquaticdevice (100) according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein. The handle-actuated aquatic device (100) includes a body board(101). The body board (101) has a top surface (102) and a bottom surface(103), and is buoyant in water. The body board (101) is coupled to abody board frame (112). Body boards (101) of different sizes and shapesmay be used to accommodate different sizes of users. It is contemplatedthat the handle-actuated aquatic device (100) will be used by persons ofdifferent sizes, including both children and adults. Further, the bodyboard frame (112) may be capable of interchangeably accepting differentsize body boards (101).

Referring to FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the hand-actuated aquatic device(100) is depicted in cross-section. The handle-actuated aquatic device(100) has a paddlewheel (106). The paddlewheel (106) includes an axle(107) and a hub (108) located circumferentially around and operativelycoupled to the axle (107). A plurality of blades (109) is coupled to thehub (108), such that when the axle (107) is rotated, the blades (109)will rotate in conjunction with the axle (107). Each of the blades (109)may be planar or curved such that the blades have a convex or concaveshape, so as to provide different levels of resistance in the water whenthe paddlewheel (106) is rotated.

In one embodiment, the paddlewheel (106) is encapsulated in a housing(110). The housing (110) is shaped such that the plurality of blades(109) are free to rotate within the housing (110). The housing also hasplurality of openings (111). The openings (111) are located about thecircumference of the housing (110), and on surfaces of the housing(110). The openings (111) on the housing (110) are of a size and shapeto allow water to communicate with the paddlewheel (106), whilepreventing the user, or persons around the user from being struck by thepaddlewheel (106). Different embodiments of the handle-actuated aquaticdevice (100) may use larger or smaller paddlewheels (106) and housings(110) to serve different size users or accommodate specific user needs.

Referring to FIG. 1C, in one embodiment of the device, the first handle(104) has an outer end (113) and an inner end (115), where the outer end(113) is configured as a grip for a user's hand, and the inner end (115)is connected to the axle (107). The outer end (113) is at leastpartially offset from the inner end (115), giving the first handle (104)a crank shape. Likewise, the second handle (105) has an inner end (116)and an outer end (114), where the outer end (114) is configured as agrip for a user's hand, and the inner end (116) is connected to the axle(107). The outer end (114) is at least partially offset from the innerend (116), giving the second handle (105) a crank shape.

In another embodiment, the inner end (115) of the first handle (104),and the inner end (116) of the second handle (105) share a commonelongated axis (117). Further, the outer end (113) of the first handle(104) is at least partially offset from the common elongated axis (117).The outer end (114) of the second handle (105) is at least partiallyoffset from the common elongated axis (117) in a direction opposite fromthe outer end (113) of the first handle (104), such that a user rotatingthe first handle (104) and the second handle (105) simultaneouslysimulates a swimming stroke.

As noted above, it is contemplated that the handle-actuated aquaticdevice (100) will be used by persons of different sizes, including bothchildren and adults. The length of the first handle (104) and secondhandle (105), as well as the distance of the offset of the outer end(113) of the first handle (104) and the offset of the outer end (114) ofthe second handle (105) may be selected to accommodate a variety ofusers having different arm lengths, or to accommodate a user withlimited mobility. The length of the first handle (105) and second handle(106) may be adjustable to accommodate different users. Further, theoffset of the outer end (113) of the first handle (104) and the offsetof the outer end (114) of the second handle (105) may be adjustable. Inone embodiment, a variety of first handles (104) and second handles(105) having different lengths and different offsets may beinterchangeably connected to the paddlewheel (106).

In one embodiment, the first handle (104) and the second handle (105)are operatively connected to the paddlewheel (106) through a gearbox(not depicted). The gearbox is configured to transmit torque from thefirst handle (104) and the second handle (105) to the paddlewheel (106)in such a manner that the paddlewheel (106) rotates at a different ratethan the first handle (104) and the second handle (105).

The top surface (102) of the body board (101) is configured to engage aportion of a user's body. At least a portion of the bottom surface (103)of the body board (101) is configured to be secured to a body boardframe (112). As shown in FIG. 2B, the body board frame (112) maycomprise a lip (119) that extends over and encapsulates a portion of thetop surface (102) of the body board (101), securing the body board (101)to the body board frame (112) by a snap fit. It should be understood,however, that other means for securing the body board (101) to the bodyboard frame (112) are contemplated herein, and can include, for example,the use of attachment materials there between, such as, an adhesive, ora fastener.

In one embodiment, the body board frame (112) further comprises a loop(120) or pair of loops (120), allowing the body board frame to be tiedto a stationary object while in use. By tying the handle-actuatedaquatic device to a stationary object, a user may use the device tosimulate a swimming stroke in a small area so as to avoid otherswimmers, or use the device in an otherwise limited space.

Depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C are multiple views of a handle-actuated aquaticdevice (100) according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein. The handle-actuated aquatic device (100) includes a body board(101). The body board (101) has a top surface (102) and a bottom surface(103), and is buoyant in water. The paddlewheel (106) is operativelyattached to the bottom surface (103) of the body board (101) by anelongated rod (118).

As depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, the housing (110) may be mounted to a bodyboard frame (112) by an elongated rod (118). The elongated rod (118)connects the housing (110) to the body board frame (112) which is inturn connected to the bottom surface (103) of the body board (101). Theelongated rod (118) may include a swivel mounted to the body board frame(112), such that the housing (110) is rotatable relative to the bodyboard frame (112). Likewise, the elongated rod (118) may include aswivel mounted to the housing (110), so that the housing (110) isrotatable relative to the body board frame (112).

The elongated rod (118) may be adjustable in length to accommodate avariety of users with different arm lengths. The length of the elongatedrod (118) may be selected depending on the size of the user, or may beselected to accommodate a user's limited range of motion. The elongatedrod (118) may be telescoping to achieve adjustability. In anotherembodiment, multiple elongated rods (118) of different lengths may beinstalled interchangeably to the handle-actuated aquatic device.

FIG. 4 depicts a user engaging an embodiment of the handle-actuatedaquatic device. As shown in FIG. 4, a user may engage the top surface ofthe body board, and use the first handle and second handle to rotate thepaddlewheel, which is connected to the bottom surface of the body board.

In the embodiments described herein, the blades (109) of the paddlewheel(106) may be made from nylon, blown plastic, or other polymers suitablefor an aquatic environment. The body board (101) may be made of anysuitable materials used for floatation, including, but not limited to,foam, rubber, plastic and combinations thereof. The body board (101) maybe shaped as shown in the figures, however the shape of the body board(101) may vary to accommodate different users.

The housing (110) may be constructed from a variety of materialssuitable for use in an aquatic environment. Such materials include butare not limited to nylon, blown plastic, or other polymers suitable foran aquatic environment and combinations thereof.

The first handle (104) and second handle (105) may be constructed from avariety of materials suitable for use in an aquatic environment,including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, and hardplastic.

The above described handle-actuated aquatic devices provide flotationand support to a swimmer, while allowing the user to simulate a swimmingstroke. By placing the paddlewheel beneath a body board configured toreceive a portion of a user's body and by enclosing the paddlewheel in ahousing, the above described handle-actuated devices provide a compactdesign that also prevents the rotating paddlewheel from striking theuser or other persons around the user. As a result, the handle-actuateddevices described above allow a user to simulate a swimming stroke witha device that is compact enough and safe to use in a swimming poolenvironment. Having different sizes of body boards, handles, andelongated rods, as well as different shapes of body boards and handlesallows the above described handle-actuated aquatic devices to assist avariety of different users having different needs. Specifically, thesize and shape of the components may be selected to cater to a user'sspecific needs, including accommodating a limited range of motion.Rehabilitation programs may need to serve patients of various sizes andvarious specific needs, and the versatility of the above describedhandle-actuated aquatic devices allows the devices to accommodate thoseneeds.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments describedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover themodifications and variations of the various embodiments described hereinprovided such modification and variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising: apaddlewheel; a first handle operatively connected to the paddlewheel; asecond handle operatively connected to the paddlewheel; a housing thatencapsulates the paddlewheel; and a body board frame that couples thehousing to a buoyant body board.
 2. The handle-actuated aquatic deviceof claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of openings. 3.The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the first handlehas an inner end operatively connected to the paddlewheel and an outerend opposite the inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as agrip for a user and is at least partially offset from the inner end; andthe second handle has an inner end operatively connected to thepaddlewheel and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the outerend is configured as a grip for a user and is at least partially offsetfrom the inner end.
 4. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 3,wherein the inner end of the first handle and the inner end of thesecond handle share a common axis, and the outer end of the secondhandle is offset in a different direction than the outer end of thefirst handle.
 5. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, whereinthe buoyant body board has a top surface and a bottom surface oppositethe top surface, and the body board frame couples the housing to thebottom surface of the buoyant body board.
 6. The handle-actuated aquaticdevice of claim 5, wherein the housing is coupled to the bottom surfaceof the body board by an elongated rod.
 7. The handle-actuated aquaticdevice of claim 6, wherein the rod is configured such that the housingis rotatable relative to the body board frame.
 8. The handle-actuatedaquatic device of claim 1, wherein the paddlewheel comprises at leasttwo blades.
 9. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 8, whereinthe blades are convex in shape.
 10. The handle-actuated aquatic deviceof claim 1, wherein the first handle and second handle are operativelyconnected to the paddlewheel through a gearbox, wherein the gearboxtransmits torque from the first handle and second handle to thepaddlewheel such that the first handle and second handle rotate at adifferent rate than the paddlewheel.
 11. The handle-actuated aquaticdevice of claim 1, wherein the body board frame comprises a loop toallow the body board frame to be tied to a stationary object.
 12. Ahandle-actuated aquatic device comprising: an axle; a hub placedcircumferentially around and operatively coupled to the axle; aplurality of blades attached to and extending radially outward from thehub; a first handle operatively connected to the axle; a second handleoperatively connected to the axle; and a buoyant body board, wherein thebuoyant body board has a top surface configured to engage a portion of auser's body, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; and a bodyboard frame, wherein the body board frame couples the axle, hub, andplurality of blades to the bottom surface of the buoyant body board. 13.The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein a housingencapsulates the axle, hub, and the plurality of blades.
 14. Thehandle-actuated aquatic device of claim 13, wherein the housingcomprises a plurality of openings.
 15. The handle-actuated aquaticdevice of claim 12, wherein the first handle has an inner endoperatively connected to the axle and an outer end opposite the innerend, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a user and is atleast partially offset from the inner end; and the second handle has aninner end operatively connected to the axle and an outer end oppositethe inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a userand is at least partially offset from the inner end.
 16. Thehandle-actuated aquatic device of claim 15, wherein the inner end of thefirst handle and the inner end of the second handle share a common axis,and the outer end of the second handle is offset in a differentdirection than the outer end of the first handle.
 17. Thehandle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofblades are convex in shape.
 18. The handle-actuated aquatic device ofclaim 12, wherein the first handle and second handle are operativelyconnected to the axle through a gearbox, wherein the gearbox transmitstorque from the first handle and second handle to the axle such that thefirst handle and second handle rotate at a different rate than the axle.19. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 13, wherein the housingis coupled to the body board frame by an elongated rod.
 20. Thehandle-actuated aquatic device of claim 19, wherein the rod isconfigured such that the housing is rotatable relative to the body boardframe.
 21. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein thebody board frame comprises a loop to allow the body board frame to betied to a stationary object.